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Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Ranibizumab may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Ranibizumab

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

and 1 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for What Ximluci is Ximluci is a solution which is injected into the eye. Ximluci belongs to a group of medicines called antineovascularisation agents. It contains the active substance called ranibizumab. What Ximluci is used for Ximluci is used in adults to treat several eye diseases causing vision impairment.

700557 Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection 93075292208

These diseases result from damage to the retina (light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) caused by:

  • Growth of leaky, abnormal blood vessels. This is observed in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR, a disease caused by diabetes). It may also be associated with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) due to pathologic myopia (PM), angioid streaks, central serous chorioretinopathy or inflammatory CNV.
  • Macular oedema (swelling of the centre of the retina). This swelling can be caused by diabetes (a disease called diabetic macular oedema (DME)) or by the blockage of retinal veins of the retina (a disease called retinal vein occlusion (RVO)). How Ximluci works Ximluci specifically recognises and binds to a protein called human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) present in the eye. In excess, VEGF-A causes abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling in the eye which can lead to impairment of vision in diseases like AMD, DME, PDR, RVO, PM and CNV. By binding to VEGF-A, Ximluci can block its actions and prevent this abnormal growth and swelling. In these diseases, Ximluci can help to stabilise and in many cases improve your vision.

What you need to know before you take it

Ximluci You must not receive Ximluci

  • If you are allergic to ranibizumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • If you have an infection in or around your eye.
  • If you have pain or redness (severe intraocular inflammation) in your eye. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before you are given Ximluci.
  • Ximluci is given as an injection into the eye. Occasionally, an infection in the internal portion of the eye, pain or redness (inflammation), detachment or tear of one of the layers in the back of the eye (retinal detachment or tear and retinal pigment epithelial detachment or tear), or clouding of the lens (cataract) may occur after Ximluci treatment. It is important to identify and treat such an infection or retinal detachment as soon as possible. Please tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs such as eye pain or increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small particles in your vision or increased sensitivity to light.

• •

In some patients the eye pressure may increase for a short period directly after the injection. This is something you may not notice, therefore your doctor may monitor this after each injection. Inform your doctor if you have a prior history of eye conditions or eye treatments, or if you have had a stroke or experienced transient signs of stroke (weakness or paralysis of limbs or face, difficulty speaking or understanding). This information will be taken into account to evaluate if Ximluci is the appropriate treatment for you.

Please see section 4 ("Possible side effects") for more detailed information on side effects that could occur during Ximluci therapy. Children and adolescents (below 18 years of age) The use of Ximluci in children and adolescents has not been established and is therefore not recommended. Other medicines and Ximluci Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding

  • Women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least three further months after the last injection of Ximluci.
  • There is no experience of using Ximluci in pregnant women. Ximluci should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn child. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor before treatment with Ximluci.
  • Ximluci is not recommended during breast-feeding because it is not known whether Ximluci passes into human milk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before Ximluci treatment. Driving and using machines After Ximluci treatment you may experience some temporary vision blurring. If this happens, do not drive or use machines until this resolves.

How to take it

Ximluci is administered as a single injection into your eye by your eye doctor under a local anaesthetic. The usual dose of an injection is 0.05 mL (which contains 0.5 mg of active substance). The interval between two doses injected into the same eye should be at least four weeks. All injections will be administered by your eye doctor. Before the injection, your doctor will wash your eye carefully to prevent infection. Your doctor will also give you a local anaesthetic to reduce or prevent any pain you might have with the injection. The treatment is started with one injection of Ximluci per month. Your doctor will monitor the condition of your eye and, depending on how you respond to the treatment, will decide if and when you need to receive further treatment. Detailed instructions for use are given at the end of the leaflet under "How to prepare and administer Ximluci to adults". Elderly (age 65 years and over) Ximluci can be used for people of 65 years of age and over without dose adjustment. Before stopping Ximluci treatment If you are considering stopping Ximluci treatment, please go to your next appointment and discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will advise you and decide how long you should be treated with Ximluci. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects associated with the administration of Ximluci are either due to the medicine itself or due to the injection procedure and mostly affect the eye. Serious side effects: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • detachment or tear of the layer in the back of the eye (retinal detachment or tear), resulting in flashes of light with floaters progressing to a temporary loss of sight, or a clouding of the lens (cataract) Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
  • blindness
  • infection of the eyeball (endophthalmitis) with inflammation of the inside of the eye

The symptoms you might experience are:

  • pain or increased discomfort in your eye
  • worsening eye redness
  • blurred or decreased vision
  • an increased number of small particles in your vision
  • increased sensitivity to light. Please tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these side effects. Other side effects: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) Visual side effects include
  • inflammation of the eye
  • bleeding in the back of the eye (retinal bleeding)
  • visual disturbances
  • eye pain
  • small particles or spots in your vision (floaters)
  • bloodshot eye
  • eye irritation
  • a feeling of having something in the eye
  • increased tear production
  • inflammation or infection of the eyelid margins
  • dry eye
  • redness or itching of the eye
  • increased eye pressure Non-visual side effects include
  • sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose
  • headache
  • joint pain Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) Visual side effects include
  • decreased sharpness of vision
  • swelling of a section of the eye (uvea, cornea)
  • inflammation of the cornea (front part of eye)
  • small marks on the surface of the eye
  • blurred vision
  • bleeding at the site of injection
  • bleeding in the eye
  • discharge from the eye with itching
  • redness and swelling (conjunctivitis)
  • light sensitivity
  • eye discomfort
  • swelling of the eyelid
  • eyelid pain Non-visual side effects include
  • urinary tract infection
  • low red blood cells count (with symptoms such as tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, pale skin)
  • anxiety
  • cough
  • nausea
  • allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching and skin reddening Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) Visual side effects include
  • inflammation and bleeding in the front part of the eye
  • sac of pus on the eye
  • changes of the central part of the eye surface
  • pain or irritation at the site of injection
  • abnormal sensation in the eye
  • irritation of the eyelid Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for 'MHRA Yellow Card' in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Ximluci

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ONLY:

• •

Please also refer to section 3 "How Ximluci is given".

• • • •

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the vial label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator (2 °C -8 °C). Do not freeze. Prior to use, the unopened vial may be kept at room temperature (25 °C) for up to 48 hours. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not use any pack that is damaged.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Ximluci contains

  • The active substance is ranibizumab. Each mL contains 10 mg ranibizumab. Each vial contains 2.3 mg ranibizumab in 0.23 mL solution. This provides a usable amount to deliver a single dose of 0.05 mL containing 0.5 mg ranibizumab.
  • The other ingredients are trehalose dihydrate; histidine hydrochloride, monohydrate; histidine; polysorbate 20; water for injections. What Ximluci looks like and contents of the pack Ximluci is a clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to slightly brownish solution for injection in a vial (0.23 mL). Two different pack types are available: Vial-only pack Pack containing one glass vial of ranibizumab with bromobutyl rubber stopper. The vial is for single use only. Vial + filter needle pack Pack containing one glass vial of ranibizumab with bromobutyl rubber stopper and one sterile, blunt 5 μm filter needle (18G x 11⁄2′′, 1.2 mm x 40 mm) for withdrawal of the vial contents. All components are for single use only. Marketing Authorisation Holder Great Britain: STADA, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK Northern Ireland: STADA Arzneimittel AG, Stadastrasse 2-18, 61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany Manufacturer STADA Arzneimittel AG, Stadastrasse 2-18, 61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany

How to prepare and administer Ximluci to adults Single-use vial for intravitreal use only. Ximluci must be administered by a qualified ophthalmologist experienced in intravitreal injections. In wet AMD, in CNV, in PDR and in visual impairment due to DME or to macular oedema secondary to RVO the recommended dose for Ximluci is 0.5 mg given as a single intravitreal injection. This corresponds to an injection volume of 0.05 mL. The interval between two doses injected into the same eye should be at least four weeks. Treatment is initiated with one injection per month until maximum visual acuity is achieved and/or there are no signs of disease activity i.e. no change in visual acuity and in other signs and symptoms of the disease under continued treatment. In patients with wet AMD, DME, PDR and RVO, initially, three or more consecutive, monthly injections may be needed. Thereafter, monitoring and treatment intervals should be determined by the physician and should be based on disease activity, as assessed by visual acuity and/or anatomical parameters. If, in the physician's opinion, visual and anatomical parameters indicate that the patient is not benefiting from continued treatment, Ximluci should be discontinued. Monitoring for disease activity may include clinical examination, functional testing or imaging techniques (e.g. optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography). If patients are being treated according to a treat-and-extend regimen, once maximum visual acuity is achieved and/or there are no signs of disease activity, the treatment intervals can be extended stepwise until signs of disease activity or visual impairment recur. The treatment interval should be extended by no more than two weeks at a time for wet AMD and may be extended by up to one month at a time for DME. For PDR and RVO, treatment intervals may also be gradually extended, however there are insufficient data to conclude on the length of these intervals. If disease activity recurs, the treatment interval should be shortened accordingly. The treatment of visual impairment due to CNV should be determined individually per patient based on disease activity. Some patients may only need one injection during the first 12 months; others may need more frequent treatment, including a monthly injection. For CNV secondary to pathologic myopia (PM), many patients may only need one or two injections during the first year.

For any information about this medicine, please contact: Great Britain STADA, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK Tel: +44 (0)1484 848164

Ximluci and laser photocoagulation in DME and macular oedema secondary to BRVO There is some experience of Ximluci administered concomitantly with laser photocoagulation. When given on the same day, Ximluci should be administered at least 30 minutes after laser photocoagulation. Ximluci can be administered in patients who have received previous laser photocoagulation.

Northern Ireland STADA Arzneimittel AG, Stadastrasse 2-18, 61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany Tel: +49 61016030

Ximluci and verteporfin photodynamic therapy in CNV secondary to PM There is no experience of concomitant administration of Ximluci and verteporfin.

This leaflet was last revised in September 2022. Other sources of information Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: http://www.ema.europa.eu.

Ximluci should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. The injection procedure should be carried out under aseptic conditions, which includes the use of surgical hand disinfection, sterile gloves, a sterile drape and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) and the availability of sterile paracentesis (if required). The patient's medical history for hypersensitivity reactions should be carefully evaluated prior to performing the intravitreal procedure. Adequate anaesthesia and a broad-spectrum topical microbicide to disinfect the periocular skin, eyelid and ocular surface should be administered prior to the injection, in accordance with local practice. Vial-only pack The vial is for single use only. After injection any unused product must be discarded. Any vial showing signs of damage or tampering must not be used. The sterility cannot be guaranteed unless the packaging seal remains intact. For preparation and intravitreal injection the following medical devices for single use are needed:

  • a sterile 5 μm filter needle (18G x 11⁄2′′, 1.2 mm x 40 mm)
  • a 1 mL sterile syringe (including a 0.05 mL mark)
  • an injection needle (30G x 1⁄2′′, 0.3 mm x 13 mm). These medical devices are not included within the Ximluci pack. Vial + filter needle pack All components are sterile and for single use only. Any component with packaging showing signs of damage or tampering must not be used. The sterility cannot be guaranteed unless the component packaging seal remains intact. Re-use may lead to infection or other illness/injury.

For preparation and intravitreal injection the following medical devices for single use are needed:

  • a sterile 5 μm filter needle (18G x 11⁄2′′, 1.2 mm x 40 mm, provided)
  • a 1 mL sterile syringe (including a 0.05 mL mark, not included within the Ximluci pack)
  • an injection needle (30G x 1⁄2′′, 0.3 mm x 13 mm; not included within the Ximluci pack) To prepare Ximluci for intravitreal administration to adult patients, please adhere to the following instructions: 1. Before withdrawal, remove the vial cap and clean the vial septum (e.g. with 70% alcohol swab). 2. Assemble a 5 μm filter needle (18G x 11⁄2′′, 1.2 mm x 40 mm) onto a 1 mL syringe using aseptic technique. Push the blunt filter needle into the centre of the vial stopper until the needle touches the bottom edge of the vial. 3. Withdraw all the liquid from the vial, keeping the vial in an upright position, slightly inclined to ease complete withdrawal. 4. Ensure that the plunger rod is drawn sufficiently back when emptying the vial in order to completely empty the filter needle. 5. Leave the blunt filter needle in the vial and disconnect the syringe from the blunt filter needle. The filter needle should be discarded after withdrawal of the vial contents and should not be used for the intravitreal injection. 6. Aseptically and firmly assemble an injection needle (30G x 1⁄2′′, 0.3 mm x 13 mm) onto the syringe. 7. Carefully remove the cap from the injection needle without disconnecting the injection needle from the syringe. Note: Grip at the hub of the injection needle while removing the cap. 8. Carefully expel the air along with the excess solution from the syringe and adjust the dose to the 0.05 mL mark on the syringe. The syringe is ready for injection. Note: Do not wipe the injection needle. Do not pull back on the plunger. The injection needle should be inserted 3.5-4.0 mm posterior to the limbus into the vitreous cavity, avoiding the horizontal meridian and aiming towards the centre of the globe. The injection volume of 0.05 mL is then delivered; a different scleral site should be used for subsequent injections. After injection, do not recap the needle or detach it from the syringe. Dispose of the used syringe together with the needle in a sharps disposal container or in accordance with local requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection

How do I take Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection?

Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection comes as injection containing 10mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection?

The active substance in Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection is ranibizumab.

Are there equivalent medicines to Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Byooviz 10 mg/ml solution for injection, Byooviz 10 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, Lucentis 10 mg/ml solution for injection. In total there are 6 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Ximluci 10 mg/mL solution for injection without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Ranibizumab (7 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Ximluci is indicated in adults for:

• The treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

• The treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (DME)

• The treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

• The treatment of visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (branch RVO or central RVO)

• The treatment of visual impairment due to choroidal neovascularisation (CNV)

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Ximluci must be administered by a qualified ophthalmologist experienced in intravitreal injections.

Posology

Adults

The recommended dose for Ximluci in adults is 0.5 mg given as a single intravitreal injection. This corresponds to an injection volume of 0.05 mL. The interval between two doses injected into the same eye should be at least four weeks.

Treatment in adults is initiated with one injection per month until maximum visual acuity is achieved and/or there are no signs of disease activity i.e. no change in visual acuity and in other signs and symptoms of the disease under continued treatment. In patients with wet AMD, DME, PDR and RVO, initially, three or more consecutive, monthly injections may be needed.

Thereafter, monitoring and treatment intervals should be determined by the physician and should be based on disease activity, as assessed by visual acuity and/or anatomical parameters.

If, in the physician's opinion, visual and anatomic parameters indicate that the patient is not benefiting from continued treatment, Ximluci should be discontinued.

Monitoring for disease activity may include clinical examination, functional testing or imaging techniques (e.g. optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography).

If patients are being treated according to a treat-and-extend regimen, once maximum visual acuity is achieved and/or there are no signs of disease activity, the treatment intervals can be extended stepwise until signs of disease activity or visual impairment recur. The treatment interval should be extended by no more than two weeks at a time for wet AMD and may be extended by up to one month at a time for DME. For PDR and RVO, treatment intervals may also be gradually extended, however there are insufficient data to conclude on the length of these intervals. If disease activity recurs, the treatment interval should be shortened accordingly.

The treatment of visual impairment due to CNV should be determined individually per patient based on disease activity. Some patients may only need one injection during the first 12 months; others may need more frequent treatment, including a monthly injection. For CNV secondary to pathologic myopia (PM), many patients may only need one or two injections during the first year (see section 5.1).

Ximluci and laser photocoagulation in DME and in macular oedema secondary to BRVO

There is some experience of ranibizumab administered concomitantly with laser photocoagulation (see section 5.1). When given on the same day, Ximluci should be administered at least 30 minutes after laser photocoagulation. Ximluci can be administered in patients who have received previous laser photocoagulation.

Ximluci and verteporfin photodynamic therapy in CNV secondary to PM

There is no experience of concomitant administration of ranibizumab and verteporfin.

Special populations

Elderly

No dose adjustment is required in the elderly. There is limited experience in patients older than 75 years with DME.

Renal impairment

Dose adjustment is not needed in patients with renal impairment (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

Ranibizumab has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. However, no special considerations are needed in this population.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Ximluci in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not been established. Available data in adolescent patients aged 12 to 17 years with visual impairment due to CNV are described in section 5.1 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.

Method of administration

Single-use vial for intravitreal use only.

Since the volume contained in the vial (0.23 mL) is greater than the recommended dose (0.05 mL for adults), a portion of the volume contained in the vial must be discarded prior to administration.

Ximluci should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration.

The injection procedure should be carried out under aseptic conditions, which includes the use of surgical hand disinfection, sterile gloves, a sterile drape and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) and the availability of sterile paracentesis (if required). The patient's medical history for hypersensitivity reactions should be carefully evaluated prior to performing the intravitreal procedure (see section 4.4). Adequate anaesthesia and a broad-spectrum topical microbicide to disinfect the periocular skin, eyelid and ocular surface should be administered prior to the injection, in accordance with local practice.

Adults

In adults, the injection needle should be inserted 3.5-4.0 mm posterior to the limbus into the vitreous cavity, avoiding the horizontal meridian and aiming towards the centre of the globe. The injection volume of 0.05 mL is then delivered; a different scleral site should be used for subsequent injections.

For instructions on preparation of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Patients with active or suspected ocular or periocular infections.

Patients with active severe intraocular inflammation.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded

Intravitreal injection-related reactions

Intravitreous injections, including those with ranibizumab, have been associated with endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinal tear and iatrogenic traumatic cataract (see section 4.8). Proper aseptic injection techniques must always be used when administering Ximluci. In addition, patients should be monitored during the week following the injection to permit early treatment if an infection occurs. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or any of the above mentioned events without delay.

Intraocular pressure increases

In adults transient increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been seen within 60 minutes of injection of ranibizumab. Sustained IOP increases have also been identified (see section 4.8). Both intraocular pressure and the perfusion of the optic nerve head must be monitored and managed appropriately.

Patients should be informed of the symptoms of these potential adverse reactions and instructed to inform their physician if they develop signs such as eye pain or increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small particles in their vision, or increased sensitivity to light (see section 4.8).

Bilateral treatment

Limited data on bilateral use of ranibizumab (including same-day administration) do not suggest an increased risk of systemic adverse events compared with unilateral treatment.

Immunogenicity

There is a potential for immunogenicity with ranibizumab. Since there is a potential for an increased systemic exposure in subjects with DME, an increased risk for developing hypersensitivity in this patient population cannot be excluded. Patients should also be instructed to report if an intraocular inflammation increases in severity, which may be a clinical sign attributable to intraocular antibody formation.

Concomitant use of other anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)

Ximluci should not be administered concurrently with other anti-VEGF medicinal products (systemic or ocular).

Withholding Ximluci in adults

The dose should be withheld and treatment should not be resumed earlier than the next scheduled treatment in the event of:

• a decrease in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ≥30 letters compared with the last assessment of visual acuity;

• an intraocular pressure of ≥30 mmHg;

• a retinal break;

• a subretinal haemorrhage involving the centre of the fovea, or, if the size of the haemorrhage is ≥50%, of the total lesion area;

• performed or planned intraocular surgery within the previous or next 28 days.

Retinal pigment epithelial tear

Risk factors associated with the development of a retinal pigment epithelial tear after anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD and potentially also other forms of CNV, include a large and/or high pigment epithelial retinal detachment. When initiating ranibizumab therapy, caution should be used in patients with these risk factors for retinal pigment epithelial tears.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or macular holes in adults

Treatment should be discontinued in subjects with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or stage 3 or 4 macular holes.

Populations with limited data

There is only limited experience in the treatment of subjects with DME due to type I diabetes. Ranibizumab has not been studied in patients who have previously received intravitreal injections, in patients with active systemic infections, or in patients with concurrent eye conditions such as retinal detachment or macular hole. There is limited experience of treatment with ranibizumab in diabetic patients with an HbA1c over 108 mmol/mol (12%) and no experience in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. This lack of information should be considered by the physician when treating such patients.

There are insufficient data to conclude on the effect of ranibizumab in patients with RVO presenting irreversible ischaemic visual function loss.

In patients with PM, there are limited data on the effect of ranibizumab in patients who have previously undergone unsuccessful verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) treatment. Also, while a consistent effect was observed in subjects with subfoveal and juxtafoveal lesions, there are insufficient data to conclude on the effect of ranibizumab in PM subjects with extrafoveal lesions.

Systemic effects following intravitreal use

Systemic adverse events including non-ocular haemorrhages and arterial thromboembolic events have been reported following intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors.

There are limited data on safety in the treatment of DME, macular oedema due to RVO and CNV secondary to PM patients with prior history of stroke or transient ischaemic attacks. Caution should be exercised when treating such patients (see section 4.8).

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed.

For the adjunctive use of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Ximluci in wet AMD and PM, see section 5.1.

For the adjunctive use of laser photocoagulation and Ximluci in DME and BRVO, see sections 4.2 and 5.1.

In clinical studies for the treatment of visual impairment due to DME, the outcome with regard to visual acuity or central retinal subfield thickness (CSFT) in patients treated with ranibizumab was not affected by concomitant treatment with thiazolidinediones.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential/contraception in females

Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment.

Pregnancy

For ranibizumab no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available. Studies in cynomolgus monkeys do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy or embryonal/foetal development (see section 5.3). The systemic exposure to ranibizumab is low after ocular administration, but due to its mechanism of action, ranibizumab must be regarded as potentially teratogenic and embryo-/foetotoxic. Therefore, ranibizumab should not be used during pregnancy unless the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the foetus. For women who wish to become pregnant and have been treated with ranibizumab, it is recommended to wait at least 3 months after the last dose of ranibizumab before conceiving a child.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether ranibizumab is excreted in human milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended during the use of Ximluci.

Fertility

There are no data available on fertility.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

The treatment procedure may induce temporary visual disturbances, which may affect the ability to drive or use machines (see section 4.8). Patients who experience these signs must not drive or use machines until these temporary visual disturbances subside.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The majority of adverse reactions reported following administration of ranibizumab are related to the intravitreal injection procedure.

The most frequently reported ocular adverse reactions following injection of ranibizumab are: eye pain, ocular hyperaemia, increased intraocular pressure, vitritis, vitreous detachment, retinal haemorrhage, visual disturbance, vitreous floaters, conjunctival haemorrhage, eye irritation, foreign body sensation in eyes, increased lacrimation, blepharitis, dry eye and eye pruritus.

The most frequently reported non-ocular adverse reactions are headache, nasopharyngitis and arthralgia.

Less frequently reported, but more serious, adverse reactions include endophthalmitis, blindness, retinal detachment, retinal tear and iatrogenic traumatic cataract (see section 4.4).

The adverse reactions experienced following administration of ranibizumab in clinical trials are summarised in the table below.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions#

The adverse reactions are listed by system organ class and frequency using the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Infections and infestations

Very common

Nasopharyngitis

Common

Urinary tract infection*

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Anaemia

Immune system disorders

Common

Hypersensitivity

Psychiatric disorders

Common

Anxiety

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Headache

Eye disorders

Very common

Vitritis,

vitreous detachment,

retinal haemorrhage,

visual disturbance,

eye pain,

vitreous floaters,

conjunctival haemorrhage,

eye irritation,

foreign body sensation in eyes,

lacrimation increased,

blepharitis,

dry eye,

ocular hyperaemia,

eye pruritus

Common

Retinal degeneration,

retinal disorder,

retinal detachment,

retinal tear,

detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium,

retinal pigment epithelium tear,

visual acuity reduced,

vitreous haemorrhage,

vitreous disorder,

uveitis,

iritis,

iridocyclitis,

cataract,

cataract subcapsular,

posterior capsule opacification,

punctuate keratitis,

corneal abrasion,

anterior chamber flare,

vision blurred,

injection site haemorrhage,

eye haemorrhage,

conjunctivitis,

conjunctivitis allergic,

eye discharge,

photopsia,

photophobia,

ocular discomfort,

eyelid oedema,

eyelid pain,

conjunctival hyperaemia

Uncommon

Blindness,

endophthalmitis,

hypopyon,

hyphaema,

keratopathy,

iris adhesion,

corneal deposits,

corneal oedema,

corneal striae,

injection site pain,

injection site irritation,

abnormal sensation in eye,

eyelid irritation

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common

Cough

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Nausea

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common

Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, pruritus, erythema)

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common

Arthralgia

Investigations

Very common

Intraocular pressure increased

# Adverse reactions were defined as adverse events (in at least 0.5 percentage points of patients) which occurred at a higher rate (at least 2 percentage points) in patients receiving treatment with ranibizumab 0.5 mg than in those receiving control treatment (sham or verteporfin PDT).

* observed only in DME population

Product-class-related adverse reactions

In the wet AMD phase III studies, the overall frequency of non-ocular haemorrhages, an adverse event potentially related to systemic VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibition, was slightly increased in ranibizumab-treated patients. However, there was no consistent pattern among the different haemorrhages. There is a theoretical risk of arterial thromboembolic events, including stroke and myocardial infarction, following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors. A low incidence rate of arterial thromboembolic events was observed in the ranibizumab clinical trials in patients with AMD, DME, PDR, RVO and CNV and there were no major differences between the groups treated with ranibizumab compared to control.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Cases of accidental overdose have been reported from the clinical studies in wet AMD and postmarketing data. Adverse reactions associated with these reported cases were intraocular pressure increased, transient blindness, reduced visual acuity, corneal oedema, corneal pain, and eye pain. If an overdose occurs, intraocular pressure should be monitored and treated, if deemed necessary by the attending physician.

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